North Cascades National Park in Washington was the last US national park we visited during our tripthree-month road trip through the country. The year we visited Winter was a bit crazy along the west coast so some roads were still closed in early June!
Nevertheless, we were able to enjoy our visit to North Cascades National Park. It really is a beautiful national park. You're in the heart of the North Cascades mountain range, and any time of the year you'll be amazed by the Pacific Northwest's scenery.
About the North Cascades National Park
Often referred to as "The American Alps," North Cascades National Park is filled with glacial mountain peaks, forested valleys and emerald lakes. It's really beautiful and feels very different from the other national parks we visit in the United States.
North Cascades National Park, along with Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, form what is known as the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
When it comes to North Cascades wildlife, there is a lot! As you explore, you may see mule and black-tailed deer, black bears, marmots, and mountain goats. Less seen but still present are mountain lions and bobcats.
This park is very popular with backpackers, hikers and mountaineers thanks to the wild nature of the terrain and the many peaks!
Where is North Cascades National Park?
North Cascades National Park is located in Washington, USA and is part of the Cascade Range; so called because of the many, many waterfalls that can be found on it. The range extends from British Columbia to Northern California and the North Cascades Mountains as they are today are said to have formed about 5-6 million years ago.
Located near the Canada-US border, North Cascades National Park is about 2.5 hours from Vancouver, BC and Seattle, depending on traffic.
North Cascades National Park map
it isNorth Cascades National Park mapIt gives you an idea of the size of the park. If you are looking for a hiking map of the North Cascades, you can purchase a very basic map (like the image on the left) at the visitor center in the park.
Alternatively, I like to use the Alltrails app to quickly research hikes and routes and take a real hiking map with me (like this map of North Cascades) during a longer walk.
You can see a map of North Cascades Road, the road that runs through the park from east to west.here.
all hiking trailsIt's my hiking app for searching, planning and navigating the trails. With activated offline mapsAllTrails Pro,You can rest assured that you're still on the right path, even without cell service!
How to get to North Cascades Park
North Cascades National Park is easily accessible by car from Vancouver, BC and Seattle (and cities in between!).
I use comparison portals such asDiscover carsjrental carto reserve my rental cars as it is easy to check prices and compare the best deals.
Closest airports to North Cascades
The closest major international airports to the North Cascades are Seattle-Tacoma and Vancouver.
Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.
How to get to the North Cascades?
From Seattle and Vancouver, the drive takes about 2-3 hours. Depends on traffic and how long the line is at the border if coming from Canada.
From Seattle to North Cascades National Park
From Seattle, head north on I-5 until you reach WA-530 E/State Rte 530 NE. Follow WA-530 EState Rte 530 NE WA-20 E Rockport and then continue until you are in the park.
From Vancouver to North Cascades National Park
From Vancouver, head south on BC-99 to the Peace Arch border crossing. Then take I-5 South, once in the US, take exit 232, then follow WA-20 East and this will take you to the park.
North Cascades tickets and permits
Here are some of the following permits, passes and fees you may need to pay during your trip to the North Cascades.
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There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park, it is completely free!
Camping fees in North Cascades National Park
There are many campgrounds in the North Cascades area. And most of them can be reserved through in advanceErholung.gov. Other campgrounds in the North Cascades are subject to availability.
Some of these campgrounds in North Cascades National Park are free and some charge up to $16 per night.
Each pitch is limited to 8 people with a maximum of 3 tents and 2 vehicles. You can make a fire in the fireplace, but you must purchase local firewood from a local merchant andshould notGather your own firewood.
Campgrounds in North Cascades
- Goodell Creek Campground - The main campground is first come first serve, with upper and lower campgrounds subject to reservation
- Camp Newhalem Creek
- Gorge Lake Campground: Reservierbar
- Colonial Creek Campground: First come, first served, South Loop can be reserved
- Camp Hozomeen: North Cascades Campground on a first come, first served basis.
More information about the camps can be found on the NPS website.
Bike campsites
If you take a bike tour of North Cascades National Park, you'll be pleased to know that there are a few bike campgrounds that are reserved for cyclists only. There is one at Newhalem Creek Campground (site A3) and one at Colonial Creek (south site 115).
You cannot reserve them in advance and they cost $16 per night.
If you are free after 20:00 m., campers with vehicles can only occupy this place for 1 night.
Crossing permit tariffs and reservations for camping
With nearly 400 miles of hiking trails in North Cascades National Park, there's plenty to explore in nature. If you are planning on backcountry camping in North Cascades National Park, you must obtain a field permit.
Permits are required year-round for overnight stays in North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan. Permits are specific to a site or cross country area and you must follow the itinerary listed on your permit.
How to get a backcountry permit
You can obtain a backcountry permit to the North Cascades either by pre-reservation (this has a location but must be converted to a permit before entering the park) or by obtaining a walk-in permit. Permits must be picked up at a ranger station in or around the park.
60% of permits are pre-approvals and are fully granted very quickly each year. If you don't have a permit for next year but still want to explore the backcountry, you can, but will likely have to do a less popular tour.
Learn more about Exploration and Traverse Permits.
Northwest Forest Pass (required at USFS trailheads only)
Depending on where you hike, you may need to purchase a Northwest Forest Pass. These allow you to park at the trailheads on National Park Service property. A permit costs $5 per day or $30 for a year. You can get them at most ranger stations, many local businesses, andonline.
Where to stay in North Cascades National Park?
Because the North Cascades is a bit "wilder" than other national parks in the US, you won't find many places to stay in North Cascades National Park.
However, there are many places to stay outside of the national park as well as campsites within the national park and as mentioned above this is not the casewasfar from Vancouver and Seattle if you don't really want to camp!
Hotels in North Cascades National Park
Below is a selection of the best North Cascades National Park cabins and hotels near North Cascades National Park. These are my tips for North Cascades National Park accommodation and include a mix of Airbnbs/VRBO, hotels and hostels near North Cascades National Park.
- Mountain of the Sun Hostel:The most luxurious option on the list!
- River's Edge Resort:Cabins and chalets and private patio with jacuzzi
- Hotel Rio Vista: All rooms have river view and balcony.
The 5 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
Here are some of the top North Cascades attractions to add to your What to do in North Cascades National Park itinerary!
- See Teufelssee
- Take an epic hike through the North Cascades
- Take a scenic drive along the North Cascades Scenic Highway (click here to see 'Is the North Cascades Freeway open?“)
- Go to the Washington Pass lookout
- Spend the night camping!
Top 5 hikes in North Cascades National Park
all hiking trailsIt's my hiking app for searching, planning and navigating the trails. With activated offline mapsAllTrails Pro,You can rest assured that you're still on the right path, even without cell service!
With so many hikes in the North Cascades, it's virtually impossible to say which is the best. However, here are 5 hikes in North Cascades National Parks that include a mix of easy hiking and backpacking trails.
- waterfall pass
- Ahorn-Step-Loop
- Desolation Peak – One of the most famous hikes in the North Cascades thanks to Jack Kerouac. Their books,Dharma burns&angel of desolationThey are said to be greatly inspired by their time spent here.
- Thunder Knob Trail - An easy hike with a great view makes this one of the best hikes in the North Cascades for those short on time
- Hidden viewpoint on the lake
See this post for more hikes in North Cascades National Park
what to do nearby
Here are some things to do near North Cascades National Park
- Discover Seattle
- ¡Discover Vancouver, BC!
- Hike in and around Mt. Baker
- VisitLeavenworth; a Bavarian-style town
More contributions from the US national parks
- A Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- The Complete Guide to Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- How to take a self-guided tour of the Everglades
- A Guide to Visiting Death Valley National Park, California
- A Guide to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
- A Beginner's Guide to Zion National Park, Utah